A new study giving the understanding of groundwater storage variations in the Congo River Basin (CRB) was published in Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies in October 2025. The article presents a study on groundwater variations which is a crucial source of drinking water for the local population. Prior to this study, knowledge of groundwater dynamics in the CRB was limited, primarily due to inadequate monitoring and data. The authors used data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite by benefiting as well from a satellite-based estimates of surface water storage anomalies to analyze changes in groundwater storage anomalies (GWSA) from 2002 to 2015.
They found that groundwater storage fluctuates significantly over time and varies across different areas of the basin and contributes approximately 23% to the total water storage anomaly (TWSA) in the basin. The significant spatial variability in GWSA, influenced by hydrogeological characteristics, showed higher contributions from unconsolidated and consolidated sedimentary aquifers compared to basement aquifers.
This study enhances our understanding of groundwater dynamics in the CRB, providing insights into the hydrogeological controls that were previously underexplored. Furthermore, this understanding is relevant for managing water resources in the CRB, especially in the context of climate change and increasing water demand. The study emphasizes the need for better monitoring and management of groundwater to ensure sustainable use in the future.
